Copper (Cu) Nanoparticles - Properties, Applications

Topics Covered

Introduction

Nanomaterials are being applied in more and more fields within engineering and technology. One of the key benefits of nanomaterials is that their properties differ from bulk material of the same composition. The properties of nanoparticles, for example, can be easily altered by varying their size, shape, and chemical environment.

Copper is a Block D, Period 4 element. It is a ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. The morphology of copper nanoparticles is round, and they appear as a brown to black powder.

Copper is found to be too soft for some applications, and hence it is often combined with other metals to form numerous alloys such as brass, which is a copper-zinc alloy.

Copper nanoparticles are graded as highly flammable solids, therefore they must be stored away from sources of ignition. They are also known to be very toxic to aquatic life.

Chemical Properties

The chemical properties of copper nanoparticles are outlined in the following table.

Chemical Data

Chemical symbol

Cu

CAS No.

7440-50-8

Group

11

Electronic configuration

[Ar] 3d10 4s1

Physical Properties

The physical properties of copper nanoparticles are given in the following table.

Properties

Metric

Imperial

Density

8.94 g/cm3

0.00032 lb/in3

Molar mass

63.55 g/mol

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Thermal Properties

The thermal properties of copper nanoparticles are provided in the table below.

Properties

Metric

Imperial

Melting point

1083°C

1981.4°F

Boiling point

2567°C

4652.6°F

Manufacturing Process

Copper nanoparticles can be manufactured using numerous methods. The electrodeposition method is considered by many as one of the most suitable and easiest. The electrolyte used for the process is an acidified aqueous solution of copper sulfate with specific additives.

A spongy layer of copper particles is deposited on the cathode surface when the input DC voltage is varied with a constant current. The particles are typically characterized and assessed by XRD and UV-Vis. The surface morphological characterization is done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Damp reunion tends to affect the dispersion performance and usable properties of copper nanoparticles; hence this material has to be sealed under vacuum and stored in a cool and dry room. It should not be exposed to air, and should not be under stress.

Applications

The key applications of copper nanoparticles are listed below:

Acts as an anti-biotic, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal agent when added to plastics, coatings, and textiles

Copper diet supplements with efficient delivery characteristics

High strength metals and alloys

EMI shielding

Heat sinks and highly thermal conductive materials

Efficient catalyst for chemical reactions and for the synthesis of methanol and glycol

As sintering additives and capacitor materials

Conductive inks and pastes containing Cu nanoparticles can be used as a substitute for very expensive noble metals used in printed electronics, displays, and transmissive conductive thin film applications